Address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
The temple is located in the Samseong-dong area of Gangnam District, directly across the street from COEX Mall.
On a map, it lies north of the Han River, next to Bongeunsa Station (Line 9) and within Seoul’s major business and convention district.
2. Getting There
a) From Incheon International Airport (ICN)
By bus: Airport Limousine #6006 or #6103 to COEX / Bongeunsa stop; 65–75 minutes. Rome2Rio+1
By subway: AREX → transfer to Line 9 → Bongeunsa Station (Exit 1), 1 h 40 min. Rome2Rio+1
By taxi: About 68 km / 60–70 min depending on traffic. Rome2Rio+1
b) From Seoul Station
By subway: Line 4 → transfer to Line 9 (Dongjak → Bongeunsa Station, Exit 1); ≈ 35 min. Rome2Rio+1
By taxi: ≈ 10 km / 20–25 min / ₩13 000–₩17 000. Rome2Rio+1
3. History & Opening Date
Founded in 794 CE during the Silla Dynasty under King Wonseong and originally named Gyeonseongsa.
Reconstructed in 1498 by Queen Jeonghyeon during the Joseon Dynasty and renamed Bongeunsa.
It served as the head temple of the Seon (Chan) Buddhist Order for more than 200 years and played a key role in reviving Buddhism under the Confucian Joseon regime.
The present Grand Buddha Hall and 23 m tall Maitreya Bodhisattva statue were constructed in the 1990s, becoming one of Seoul’s iconic religious landmarks.
Today the temple hosts “Temple Stay” programs for foreign visitors, offering hands-on experiences in Korean Zen culture.
4. Official Introduction Page for Foreign Visitors
